16” wire wheels were the normal look for a Model A in the post WWII period. They were the available tire size during the war. That was what my grandmother ran on my cabriolet before the car came to me. I got it in 1958-59 and it had 600 and 650-16’s then. It is how a Model A from the fifties normally looked, imho.
16in wheel tires
- Thread starter DNLs1930
- Start date
Mike Peters
Well-known member
This 30 tudor found me last fall. It has a 1963 Illinois license plate still attached, and hadn't been run since. Runs now.
Came with the usual 16" 1935 wheels. Over the years, I've bought other barn find cars that also had 16" wheels. As others have aid, many, many Model A's were converted to 16" wheels back in the day when they were still considered serious transportation by the general public. Easier to get tires, etc.
I am NOT going restore this one and leave it exactly as is as a period piece of history, with crappy paint, dents in fenders and all.
I understand the sentiment of the original poster about his family car. It had 16" wheels in 1960 and will stay that way as a tribute to his own family.
Came with the usual 16" 1935 wheels. Over the years, I've bought other barn find cars that also had 16" wheels. As others have aid, many, many Model A's were converted to 16" wheels back in the day when they were still considered serious transportation by the general public. Easier to get tires, etc.
I am NOT going restore this one and leave it exactly as is as a period piece of history, with crappy paint, dents in fenders and all.
I understand the sentiment of the original poster about his family car. It had 16" wheels in 1960 and will stay that way as a tribute to his own family.
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mercman from oz
Well-known member
To answer DNLs1930's Question - the Wheels appear to be 16" 1935 Ford Wire Wheels with 1936 Ford Hubcaps that were on the Wide Five Wheels.
How they are mounted is the mystery question?
Randy in ca
Well-known member
To answer DNLs1930's Question - the Wheels appear to be 16" 1935 Ford Wire Wheels with 1936 Ford Hubcaps that were on the Wide Five Wheels.
How they are mounted is the mystery question?
___________________________________________________________
In threads a couple of years ago it was suggested that the hubcaps were actually stock 1932-35 style with accessory trim rings (such as offered by Stewart Warner and others) mounted behind. Another picture taken in the same location was posted at that time.
Links:
https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=264915
https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6394&showall=1
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Picture:
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katy
Well-known member
Guess it really is different strokes for different folks. I LOVE my original 16" tires and rims. Want to stay as original as possible. They ride and handle fine for me
16" tires and rims were not original to Model As.
highbeams
Well-known member
So correct, 16" is a long ways from 19" and 21"!
jack backer
BANNED
Yep a long ways.. for a driver car 16’s handle, ride and stop better. You can run modern tubeless radial tires with Ford welded spoke rims, I bought mine on Amazon, cheap.
Are they original? No.. but they are period correct if you want an A with a 1940’s or 50’s look.
Are they original? No.. but they are period correct if you want an A with a 1940’s or 50’s look.
jeepguy1948
Well-known member
I say do whatever the h**l you want, it's your car not somebody else's. I switched my '28 from 21" wheels to the 16" and I am much happier with it now, for many reasons. To each his own.
jeepguy1948
Well-known member
As far as the wheels on that coupe goes... It look's to me like possibly those are not 1935 16" wheels but possibly the 1932 18" wheels or the 33-34 17" wheels. Just a thought.
fordf1trucknut
Senior Member
pwalk6270@gmail.com
Junior Member
I put the Westlake 225/75R16 tires on my 1931 Ford Model A Tudor and it looks and rides perfect! I have gotten many complements on my car and how they look, Thank you for the advice, Amazon $98.00 free shipping, Peter
pwalk6270@gmail.com
Junior Member
Bob Bidonde
Well-known member
Ron Blissit
Member
Rite me a check and then you can have it any color, Any wheel. they were only NEW once after that they are all modified. some where
ModelA29
Well-known member
Which is the look he's going for and why he asked the question.
Our Coupe has the bent spoke Kelsey Hayes and 6.50x16 radials all around a friends Tudor has the straight spoke Ford wheels with 7.00x16 rear and 6.00x16 fronts. I have a reverse eye front spring to add when the whim strikes me.
The spun wheel cover is on a spoke wheel. I want a set.
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